Fremantle, PBS Distribution launch YouTube channels for kids shows, cooking series

The Arthur channel will be available worldwide apart from the US

Fremantle and PBS Distribution have partnered to launch dedicated YouTube channels around children’s series Arthur and French chef Jacques Pépin, among others.

The two will launch YouTube channels for Arthur, the long-running animated series produced by GBH, and Jacques Pépin, whose programme Jacques Pépin Cooking at Home was produced by KQED.

The Arthur YouTube channel will be available worldwide excluding the US, while the Jacques Pépin channel will be available around the globe.

The two are also launching YouTube channels for Peep & the Big Wide World, produced by GBH (worldwide excluding Canada) and Piripenguins, produced by Eaglet Films and Red Monk Studio for BBC and Rai, which will be available in North America.

Under the agreement, Fremantle will lead the creation and distribution of digital content derived from the series, including clips, compilations and other video assets tailored for YouTube.

Robert Cocker, senior VP of social and digital at Fremantle, said: “This partnership reflects our continued focus on building global digital ecosystems around world-class IP.”

Andrea Downing, president of PBS Distribution, added: “YouTube has become the front porch for how people discover content they love, and partnering with Fremantle gives us the ability to build a compelling presence for these series.”